Mat Jackson believes the addition of success ballast to his Ford Focus ST is set to spring ‘new challenges’ for him and Motorbase Performance to contend with as the British Touring Car Championship heads to Rockingham this weekend [27th-28th August].
Jackson, who sits narrowly adrift of team-mate Andrew Jordan in the Independents standings, scored victory last time out at Knockhill after a spectacular defensive drive in the reverse grid contest, and as a result remains within contention for the overall championship, 41 points behind standings leader Sam Tordoff.
With Rockingham tipped by some in the paddock to be less suited to rear-wheel drive machinery than circuits recently visited, the 1.94 mile speedway presents a strong opportunity for those lurking behind, including Jackson, to close the gap with nine races left to run this season.
However, he will now have to contend with 39 kilograms of success ballast during qualifying on Saturday afternoon, as well as the first contest, but regardless the 2008 series runner-up is confident both and Motorbase can remain atop their perch at the top of their respective Independent categories.
“We had a great weekend at Rockingham last year but things are different this time around. We have 39kg on board to contend with which throws up new challenges but that being said, the car is clearly working well and I fully expect us to be in the mix again,” he commented.
He also highlighted the need for a consistent approach to the final three meetings of the season, and fully expects his closest rivals to cause him headaches right up until the season closes at Brands Hatch in October.
“We’re in a great position in the Independents’ Standings for both the teams and drivers and it’s all about points and consistency now as the season enters the last three rounds. The usual suspects will all be there, we just need to make sure that we keep pushing and aiming for that top step.”
The first race gets underway at 11:37 on Sunday 28th August.